The Ricoh GR series is renowned for its pocket-sized yet high-quality cameras, favored by street photographers and enthusiasts alike. The Ricoh GR (whether the original, the GR II, GR III, or the latest GR IIIx) is often celebrated for its excellent image quality, portability, and overall versatility. One aspect that has been central to user experience is the autofocus system. Autofocus (AF) plays a crucial role in how quickly and effectively a photographer can capture fleeting moments, especially in dynamic environments such as street photography, where the subject or scene can change within milliseconds.
This review will examine the autofocus system of the Ricoh GR in detail, focusing on its performance, different modes, strengths, and limitations. While 3,000 words may seem extensive, it’s necessary to break down various aspects of autofocus, including its technical specifications, practical usage, comparison with competitors, and real-world performance.
Table of Contents
1. Autofocus System Overview
The Ricoh GR series uses a hybrid autofocus system in the newer models (like the GR III and GR IIIx), combining contrast-detection and phase-detection autofocus. Contrast-detection AF analyzes contrast in the scene and adjusts the focus to reach the point of highest clarity, which is especially effective in well-lit conditions. Phase-detection, on the other hand, is faster and better for tracking moving subjects. The hybrid system is designed to take advantage of both methods, ensuring a balanced focus system that can work well across different shooting environments.
The earlier models (like the GR and GR II) rely mainly on contrast-detection, which is slower but precise, and more suitable for static subjects or scenes with ample light.
1.1. Autofocus Points
The GR III and GR IIIx feature 9 AF points that are distributed across the screen, which can be selected manually or automatically by the camera. This allows for flexibility in composing shots and focusing on off-center subjects.
In comparison, cameras like the Fujifilm X100V or Sony RX100 series have more sophisticated AF systems with higher numbers of autofocus points, but the Ricoh GR’s 9-point system remains effective given its minimalist design and user-friendly interface.
1.2. Focus Speed
The GR III and IIIx have significantly improved autofocus speed over their predecessors. The inclusion of phase-detection autofocus ensures that these models can focus much faster than the older contrast-detection-only models. However, while the improvement is noticeable, the autofocus speed is still not on par with high-end cameras designed specifically for fast action, such as the Sony A7 series.
That said, for its size and category, the GR III offers respectable autofocus performance, capable of capturing quick, street-level action with reasonable accuracy and speed.
2. Autofocus Modes
The Ricoh GR offers several autofocus modes to cater to different shooting situations. Understanding these modes and their optimal use cases is key to mastering the camera’s AF system.
2.1. Single Autofocus (AF-S)
This is the default mode for the Ricoh GR and is suitable for static subjects or when the camera is stationary. In AF-S mode, the camera locks focus when the shutter button is half-pressed, allowing you to recompose if necessary before taking the shot.
In terms of accuracy, the AF-S mode on the GR is quite reliable, particularly in well-lit conditions. The focus confirmation is visible in the viewfinder or on the LCD screen, ensuring that the subject is sharp before the photo is taken.
However, in low-light conditions, the AF-S mode can struggle a bit, as the camera relies more heavily on contrast detection, which can lead to slower focusing or difficulty in locking onto a subject. This is where the manual focus option or the snap focus feature (more on that later) becomes advantageous.
2.2. Continuous Autofocus (AF-C)
AF-C is ideal for tracking moving subjects, making it useful in scenarios where subjects are moving toward or away from the camera, such as in street or action photography. The Ricoh GR’s continuous autofocus is functional but not stellar compared to cameras with more advanced AF systems.
The GR’s AF-C works better for slower or predictable movements. If the subject is moving erratically or very quickly, the autofocus may lag or fail to track efficiently. For example, photographing pedestrians moving at a steady pace is manageable, but capturing fast cyclists or vehicles may challenge the camera’s AF-C capabilities.
2.3. Manual Focus
While the GR series has a solid autofocus system, its manual focus option is a notable feature, especially for photographers who prefer complete control over their shots. The manual focus option is accessible via the camera’s menu or the focus dial, and it’s particularly useful in low-light environments or for photographers who want to pre-focus on a specific distance.
A neat addition to the manual focus mode is focus peaking, which highlights the areas of the image that are in focus, providing visual confirmation. This feature is invaluable for achieving precise focus, especially for street photographers who need to capture fleeting moments with speed and accuracy.
2.4. Snap Focus
One of the standout features of the Ricoh GR’s autofocus system is the snap focus mode, which allows users to set a fixed focus distance. Snap focus essentially lets the photographer choose a predefined focus point (for example, 1m, 1.5m, 2m, etc.), and the camera will instantly focus at that distance whenever the shutter is pressed fully.
This feature is particularly beloved by street photographers, as it eliminates the need to wait for autofocus to lock onto a subject. With snap focus, you can achieve faster shooting speeds, which is crucial for capturing spontaneous moments. It’s also highly beneficial in high-contrast lighting situations where autofocus might struggle to lock on.
In practice, snap focus can be considered a hybrid between autofocus and manual focus. The photographer controls the distance, while the camera executes the focusing instantly. When used effectively, this mode can make the Ricoh GR a powerful tool for quick-action street photography, where speed and discretion are key.
3. Low-Light Autofocus Performance
One of the challenges many compact cameras face is maintaining autofocus performance in low-light conditions, and the Ricoh GR series is no exception. The hybrid autofocus system, while capable, still shows its limitations when the light levels drop significantly.
In low-light scenarios, the camera relies more on contrast-detection, which tends to be slower and less accurate. Photographers might notice a longer lag time before focus locks, or in extreme cases, the camera might struggle to find focus at all.
There are a few ways to work around this limitation:
- Manual Focus: Switching to manual focus allows for more precise control in low-light situations. By using focus peaking, photographers can ensure their subject is in focus even if the autofocus is struggling.
- Snap Focus: In many low-light situations, snap focus can be a lifesaver. By pre-setting the focus distance, photographers can bypass the need for autofocus altogether.
- Focus Assist Light: The GR III and IIIx feature a focus assist light, which can help in darker environments. While useful, it can also be distracting or give away your position if you’re trying to shoot discreetly, such as in street photography.
Overall, the Ricoh GR’s autofocus system performs admirably in low-light conditions for a compact camera, but it’s important to manage expectations and be prepared to switch to manual or snap focus when necessary.
4. Autofocus Accuracy
In terms of autofocus accuracy, the Ricoh GR performs well in most situations. In daylight or well-lit environments, the AF system is generally fast and precise, locking onto subjects with minimal delay. The phase-detection AF in the GR III and GR IIIx provides an edge in terms of speed and tracking ability, making the camera more versatile than its predecessors.
However, like most cameras that rely on contrast-detection AF, the Ricoh GR can struggle with certain subjects. For example, autofocus may be slower or less reliable when attempting to focus on subjects with low contrast (e.g., a person wearing black clothing against a dark background).
Despite these challenges, the GR’s autofocus accuracy is more than adequate for most use cases, especially when paired with features like snap focus and manual focus for more demanding situations.
5. Autofocus Comparison with Competitors
When comparing the Ricoh GR’s autofocus system with competitors in the compact camera market, it holds its own in many respects but also shows some limitations.
5.1. Fujifilm X100V
The Fujifilm X100V is often considered one of the Ricoh GR’s main competitors, and it boasts a significantly more advanced autofocus system. The X100V has more autofocus points and better continuous autofocus tracking, making it a better choice for photographers who need fast, reliable autofocus for moving subjects. The GR’s snap focus feature, however, gives it a unique advantage for street photographers who prioritize speed and stealth.
5.2. Sony RX100 Series
The Sony RX100 series also surpasses the Ricoh GR in terms of autofocus capabilities, especially with its superior AF tracking and face detection features. However, the RX100’s larger body and higher price point make it less pocketable and affordable compared to the GR. For photographers looking for a balance between size, image quality, and focus speed, the GR remains a strong contender.
6. Real-World Performance: Street Photography
In real-world usage, particularly in street photography, the Ricoh GR’s autofocus system shines. Its compact size, combined with the fast snap focus feature, makes it a favorite among street photographers who prioritize portability, discretion, and speed.
6.1. Snap Focus in Action
One of the key reasons the Ricoh GR stands out in street photography is the snap focus feature, which allows photographers to pre-set a focus distance and shoot immediately without waiting for the autofocus to lock. This is invaluable in street photography, where spontaneity is crucial. The ability to pre-focus at, say, 1.5 meters, and simply shoot when a subject comes into range allows for split-second captures that would be missed using traditional autofocus systems.
Street photography often involves shooting from the hip, and with snap focus, the GR transforms into a stealthy and quick shooter. This feature eliminates the need to bring the camera to your eye, a move that can often alert your subject or cause you to miss the moment entirely. In fast-paced environments, this results in quicker, more natural shots of people and scenes that reflect the candid essence of street photography.
6.2. Quiet Performance
Another strength of the Ricoh GR in street photography is its quiet operation. The autofocus system works silently, allowing photographers to operate discreetly. This, combined with the minimalist design of the camera, makes it perfect for situations where you don’t want to draw attention to yourself. In street photography, where subjects might not even be aware they’re being photographed, this discretion can make the difference between a natural shot and a posed one.
6.3. Real-World Focusing Challenges
While the Ricoh GR’s autofocus system works well in most street photography scenarios, there are some limitations. As previously mentioned, in low-light conditions, the autofocus system can struggle to lock onto subjects, especially when relying solely on contrast detection. Photographers who often shoot at dusk or in poorly lit environments might find themselves switching to manual focus or using snap focus to compensate for this.
Additionally, the continuous autofocus (AF-C) mode, while functional, isn’t as robust as some competitors in tracking fast-moving subjects. For street photography, this isn’t always a deal-breaker, as subjects tend to move in a more predictable manner, but for fast-paced events or dynamic scenes, photographers might encounter missed shots or out-of-focus images.
7. Autofocus for Other Photography Styles
While the Ricoh GR is widely regarded as an ideal street photography camera, it’s also capable in other genres, and its autofocus system adapts reasonably well.
7.1. Landscape Photography
For landscape photography, where subjects are often static, the Ricoh GR’s autofocus system is more than adequate. The AF-S (single autofocus) mode allows photographers to lock onto distant objects, ensuring sharp focus across the frame. The manual focus option with focus peaking is also a useful tool for landscape photographers who prefer more precision, especially when using smaller apertures to maximize depth of field.
The camera’s small size makes it easy to carry during long hikes or while traveling, and its ability to deliver sharp images, even with its relatively simple autofocus system, makes it a solid companion for landscape photographers.
7.2. Portrait Photography
While not traditionally marketed as a portrait camera, the Ricoh GR can still perform well in this area, though its autofocus system shows some limitations. The AF-S mode can lock onto subjects relatively quickly in good lighting, and the wide-angle lens allows for environmental portraits that include more of the subject’s surroundings.
However, in situations where more advanced facial recognition or eye detection autofocus would be beneficial, the Ricoh GR falls short compared to cameras like the Sony RX100 or Fujifilm X100V. In controlled environments or when working with cooperative subjects, this isn’t a significant issue, but for spontaneous portrait photography, the autofocus system may not always be fast or accurate enough to keep up.
7.3. Macro Photography
The Ricoh GR also features a macro mode, which allows for close-up shots at a focusing distance of approximately 6-12 cm. The autofocus system performs well in macro mode, but as with most compact cameras, it’s essential to ensure good lighting to get the best results.
In macro mode, the camera relies on contrast-detection AF, which can sometimes result in hunting or slower focus lock, especially if the subject lacks distinct contrast or texture. Manual focus can again be a helpful alternative in such situations, particularly when paired with focus peaking to confirm sharpness.
8. Improvement Areas and Limitations
While the Ricoh GR’s autofocus system is quite capable, there are certain areas where improvements could be made.
8.1. Low-Light Performance
As noted earlier, autofocus performance in low-light conditions is one of the GR’s weak points. The reliance on contrast-detection in these situations means slower focusing and sometimes an inability to lock onto a subject. While the focus assist light can help, it’s not always desirable to use, especially in stealthy street photography or in scenarios where you don’t want to distract your subject.
An improvement in the phase-detection autofocus system or better low-light contrast-detection could significantly enhance the camera’s versatility in darker environments.
8.2. Autofocus Tracking
For photographers who shoot fast-moving subjects, the continuous autofocus (AF-C) mode on the Ricoh GR isn’t as reliable as more advanced cameras in the same category. The phase-detection system, while fast, doesn’t quite match up to the tracking abilities of cameras like the Sony RX100 series or even the Fujifilm X100V. This limitation is especially noticeable when photographing sports, wildlife, or other subjects that require precise, fast tracking.
8.3. Limited Autofocus Points
The relatively small number of autofocus points (9 in total) can feel limiting when compared to other modern cameras, many of which feature dozens or even hundreds of autofocus points. While the Ricoh GR’s system is adequate for most situations, expanding the number of AF points could give photographers more flexibility in composing shots, especially when focusing on off-center subjects.
9. Final Verdict
The Ricoh GR’s autofocus system, while not without its limitations, is generally well-suited to the camera’s purpose and target audience. It offers a balance of speed, accuracy, and simplicity that makes it ideal for street photography, travel, and everyday use.
The inclusion of snap focus is a game-changer for street photographers who need to react quickly and capture fleeting moments, while the manual focus with focus peaking adds a level of precision for more controlled shooting environments. The improvements in autofocus speed and accuracy in the GR III and GR IIIx are noticeable compared to earlier models, making these newer iterations even more appealing to photographers looking for a compact, high-performance camera.
That said, the autofocus system isn’t perfect. Low-light performance can be challenging, and continuous autofocus tracking isn’t as robust as in other cameras in the same price range. Photographers who frequently shoot fast-moving subjects or in dim environments may find the GR’s autofocus system somewhat limiting.
For its size and category, however, the Ricoh GR remains one of the best options on the market, particularly for street photographers who prioritize speed, portability, and image quality. The autofocus system plays a key role in the camera’s overall appeal, offering a solid balance between simplicity and performance while maintaining the GR’s reputation for delivering high-quality images in a pocket-sized package.
In conclusion, if you’re a street photographer or an enthusiast looking for a camera that excels in everyday photography with a reliable autofocus system, the Ricoh GR series—particularly the GR III and GR IIIx—will not disappoint. With practice, the autofocus features can be leveraged to capture stunning images, making the GR a versatile and capable companion for a wide range of shooting scenarios.